The descent of the Holy Ghost 1582

Philips Galle made this print, *The Descent of the Holy Ghost*, using the technique of engraving. A painstaking process, this involves using a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a copper plate. Look closely, and you can see how Galle varied the depth and density of the lines to create a sense of light and shadow. This was no easy task. Engraving demanded immense skill and patience. The engraver would have needed to be not only an accomplished draughtsman, able to translate a design onto the metal surface, but also a highly trained artisan. The resulting prints like this one could be circulated widely, carrying their message far beyond the artist’s immediate circle. In this way, printmaking helped spread new ideas and imagery. This print is both a devotional image, and also a testament to the power of skilled labor. It reminds us that even seemingly "fine art" is deeply rooted in the world of craft.